Kerala mumps outbreak: Symptoms, prevention, everything you need to know

Kerala: People in Kerala are getting mumps. The disease, caused by the paramyxovirus, usually has mild signs, but some people may get worse.

Almost 2,505 cases of the self-limiting viral disease mumps were reported in Kerala this month. The disease is spreading quickly through the state. 

The high number of cases in one day, on March 10, has worried state health officials, who are doing everything possible to stop the disease from spreading. The disease is caused by the paramyxovirus and most people only have mild symptoms. 

However, less than 1% of people may have serious problems like brain swelling or hearing loss after getting a vaccine. People of any age can get mumps, but kids ages 5 to 9 are more likely to get it. After about 2 to 4 weeks of infection, mumps starts with pain in the muscles, headaches, general malaise, and a low-grade fever. As the days go by, one or both of the parotid salivary glands swell up.

WHO says that there are three types of mumps vaccines: a single-valent vaccine, a two-valent measles-mumps vaccine, and a three-valent measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR). Mumps can be passed from person to person or through the air by drops from sick people's noses and throats. People who are affected by the virus don't always get sick. Some of the signs are sore throat, fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of hunger. The salivary glands may also be swollen and hurt. It takes about two weeks to get better from a sickness that can be avoided with the MMR vaccine.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has stopped the disease from spreading a lot, but cases are still happening. People who have been vaccinated can also get the disease, but their signs aren't as bad.

Swelling and discomfort in one or both parotid glands (found right behind the ears)

In this article, Dr. Rastogi discusses the reasons for the mumps epidemic in-depth, including inadequate immunity and a lack of immunization.

The absence of vaccination: Outbreaks of mumps often take place in areas that have poor vaccination rates or that include pockets of persons who have not been vaccinated against the disease. When vaccination rates drop, outbreaks of mumps may develop, even though the MMR vaccine (which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella) is quite efficient in preventing the disease.

Mumps may be transmitted via close contact by respiratory droplets that are produced when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be transmitted by direct contact with saliva or mucus that is produced by an infected person. Close living quarters, such as those seen in college dorms or military barracks, may make it easier for the virus to spread more quickly.

Immunity that has been compromised: Individuals who have immune systems that have been compromised as a result of illnesses such as HIV/AIDS or chemotherapy are at a greater risk of acquiring mumps and suffering more severe symptoms.

Since mumps goes away on its own, there is no special treatment for it. Symptoms can be controlled by staying hydrated, taking painkillers, and eating right. This is what Dr. Rastogi warns you about:

Supportive care: Since there isn't a specific way to treat mumps, the goal of management is to make symptoms better. This means getting lots of rest, drinking lots of water, and taking over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to lower your fever and ease your pain.

Isolation: To stop the virus from spreading to other people, especially those who haven't been vaccinated or are at a high risk of getting sick, infected people should be kept away from others.

Getting a vaccine: Getting a vaccine is the best way to stop mumps attacks. The first dose of the MMR vaccine is usually given to babies 12 to 15 months old, and the second dose is usually given to kids 4 to 6 years old. Adults who haven't been vaccinated or aren't sure if they have been should think about getting vaccinated, especially if they are likely to be exposed or are planning to travel to places where cases are known to be happening.

Measures for public health: To stop the spread of mumps, health officials may use contact tracking, quarantining people who have been exposed, and vaccine programs, among other things. Communities need to work together to get people vaccinated and stop the spread of mumps.

"Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to avoid getting mumps." Good cleanliness, like washing your hands often and not sharing food or drinks with people who are sick, can also help stop the disease from spreading. Parents need to be extra careful with their kids and make sure they are following good cleanliness rules. Rest, drinking a lot of water, and painkillers can help someone with mumps feel better while their body fights off the infection. "It is very important to see a doctor if complications happen or if your symptoms get worse," says Dr Anil MU, Consultant Paediatrician and Intensivist at SPARSH Hospital in Bangalore.